When Mother’s Day Brings All the Emotions

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Sunday was Mother’s Day, and if I’m being honest, this holiday still stirs up all kinds of emotions for me.

I love my mom dearly. And now, by God’s grace, she lives in the same town as I do! What a gift it is to see her regularly and share life side by side. But that hasn’t always been the case. For many years, we were separated by thousands of miles, and Mother’s Day often came with a tinge of sadness and longing.

And while I love celebrating motherhood—both my own and others’—the day can still stir up deep memories, old wounds, and unexpected waves of emotion.

Maybe you feel it too?

• Gratitude for life.
• Grief for the children we’ve lost or never held.
• Joy in motherhood.
• Weariness from the daily demands.
• Longing for a mother who isn’t nearby—or is no longer here.
• Hope for what God might still do.

It’s a mix.

And if your heart is carrying a little bit of all that today, I want you to know—you’re not alone.

A Heart Full of Thanks on Mother’s Day

There are a few things I carry with me every Mother’s Day:

1. I’m thankful for my life.
I was an unplanned pregnancy. In 1971, that wasn’t as accepted as it is today. My mom chose life for me, and not only did she give me life, she raised me with a heart full of love. I’ll never stop being grateful for her courage and sacrifice.

2. I’m thankful for Christ’s gift of eternal life.
At fifteen, I faced my own unplanned pregnancy. Sadly, I chose abortion. That decision left me with deep regret and years of healing ahead. I later suffered a miscarriage, too. But I know this: because of Jesus, I will one day meet both those children in heaven. His grace has covered my past and brought healing to my heart.

3. I’m thankful for the children God gave me.
Through birth and adoption, John and I have been blessed to parent ten amazing children. Each one is a miracle. Each one is part of the story God is still writing. Each one is a beautiful gift I am so grateful for, especially on Mother’s Day.

5 Scriptures to Encourage the Heart of a Mom

If you’re a mom navigating a mixture of emotions this Mother’s Day, let God’s Word be your anchor:

1. Proverbs 31:25
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”

2. Isaiah 66:13
“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you…”

3. Psalm 127:3
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”

4. Deuteronomy 6:6–7
“Impress [these commands] on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road…”

5. 2 Corinthians 12:9
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

5 Ways to Enjoy Mother’s Day—Even When Your Emotions Are All Over the Place

Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be picture-perfect. Here are five simple, grace-filled ways to embrace the day:

1. Lower the bar.
Let go of Pinterest expectations. Order takeout. Stay in your pajamas. Let the day be restful, not rushed.

2. Focus on presence, not perfection.
Whether your kids are young or grown, try to just be with them. Read a book together. Go on a walk. Share memories.

3. Do something that fills your soul.
Plant flowers. Take a nap. Write in your journal. Listen to worship music. God sees your heart, and He delights in you finding joy.

4. Talk to God about your grief.
If you’re carrying pain today—missing your own mom, grieving a child, or feeling invisible—pour it out to the Lord this Mother’s Day. He’s close to the brokenhearted. (Psalm 34:18)

5. Celebrate what is—not just what’s missing.
Hold onto the beauty in your story today. It may not look like someone else’s, but it’s still sacred, still good, and still being written by a faithful God.

A Prayer for the Troubled Mother

Dear Heavenly Father,

You see every mother reading these words. You know her joys and her sorrows. You know the weight she carries and the tears she hides, especially on Mother’s Day.

Lord, for the mom who feels weary—give her strength.
For the one who feels unseen—remind her that You see every act of love.
For the mother grieving today—wrap her in Your comfort.
For the mom celebrating with joy—let her see Your hand in every smile.
For the woman waiting, hoping, longing—hold her heart close.

Thank You for choosing us to nurture, teach, and love Your precious children. May we reflect Your heart in every hug, every word, and every sacrifice.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

A Final Mother’s Day Word from My Heart to Yours

This Mother’s Day, know that you are loved—not for what you’ve accomplished or how “together” you appear—but because you are His.

You’re not alone in the messy, holy work of motherhood.
You’re part of a sisterhood of women walking it out—sometimes weary, always clinging to grace.

Happy Mother’s Day, sweet friend.
You are doing eternal work. And it matters more than you know. 💛

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All Allyson and her friends want is a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and conversation… a long-needed moms’ night out. But in order to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a bag, they need their husbands to watch the kids for a few hours―what could go wrong?

Pick up a copy of Moms’ Night Out for yourself or for a mom in your life this Mother’s Day!